What is the maximum length, in feet, of an exit access travel in a pedestrian walkway?

The maximum length of an exit access travel distance in a pedestrian walkway is 200 feet. This standard is established in the building codes to ensure that occupants can quickly and safely exit a building in an emergency situation. Keeping the exit access travel distance limited to 200 feet helps reduce the time it takes for occupants to reach an exit, thereby improving overall safety during evacuations.

The shorter distance is particularly critical in high-occupancy buildings, where the risk of congestion at the exit may be higher. If the distance were longer, such as the higher options of 300, 400, or even 500 feet, it could increase the likelihood of panic, make evacuations more difficult, and possibly result in dangerous situations where individuals may become trapped or hindered. Thus, the 200-foot maximum serves as a crucial guideline in building safety regulations.